Software Quality Certifications

CSQA and CSTE

By: Laura Widder, CSQA

Certification: What It Is

Formal recognition of skills by a professional organization

Demonstrated level of proficiency in the QA industry or a discipline

Acknowledgement of having an overall comprehension of disciplines and skills in a body of knowledge

What It Isn’t

A license or degree The last step in your career development

Why Become Certified?

An edge in a competitive job market A way to advance your career and/or earning

potential A way to assure you continue to improve your

skills

Types of Certifications

Quality Assurance Institute (QAI)– Certified Software Testing Engineer (CSQE)

Focus on principles and practices of QC Testing practices, processes, and techniques

– Certified Software Quality Assurance (CSQA) Focus on principles and practices of QA Managing QA/QC Efforts Process Management and Improvement

Other Certifications

American Society of Quality (ASQ)– Six Sigma Black Belt

A comprehensive understanding of Six Sigma and its methodologies.

– Software Quality Engineer (CSQE)A comprehensive understanding of software quality

development and implementation

– Quality ManagerQuality principles and standards in relation to

organization and human resource management.

Prerequisites

Comprehension of the body of knowledge Currently working in the field with a level of

proficiency A college or associate degree, and/or

equivalent years of experience in the field Apply for candidacy

Certification Candidacy

Complete an application Submit a character reference Schedule the examination

The Examination/Preparing

Four-part examination Multiple Choice, essay, and short answers

Study guides can be purchased from QAI Prep courses available Form study groups Practice CSQA examination available for

purchase

The Examination/Results

Results take up to 10 weeks You can retake the exam two more times You must wait six months between taking each

exam You must retake all of the exam

Maintaining Your Certification

Recertify every three years. To recertify, you must:

– Must have 120 continuing professional education (CPE) credits

– Submit a recertification journal– Pay an administrative fee of $100

CPE Categories

A. Education Conferences, seminars, classes, other certs.

B. PublishingBooks, articles, and columns

C. TeachingPresentations, night classes

D. Participation in professionMemberships, committees, proctoring exams

CPE Categories

E. Self-study Books, periodicals, videos, internet

F. Unique and innovative activities Job-related activities “over and above”

Keeping the Journal

Each CPE activity claimed must have a Recertification Activity form and accompanying documentation

Start it early and keep it updated Keep a summary/log of activities and points

earned Figure out an organization

Submitting the Journal

Journals aren’t returned, so keep a copy Submit in advance of expiration date (two to

three months is a good rule) Can submit materials to include in journal up to

two months after expiration date If the journal is rejected, you can resubmit it There is an appeal process

Panel Discussion